Version management of images

ABSTRACT

Techniques are described for standardizing software configuration levels across targets. In one embodiment, a subscription is maintained that identifies a group of targets that subscribe to a particular image, where the particular image represents a standard to follow for targets that belong to the group of targets. The particular image may further include a first image version having a first set of source components. In response to receiving an update to the particular image, a second image version is generated for the particular image, where the second image version includes a second set of source components that are different than the first set of source components. Two or more targets in the group of targets that subscribe to the particular image may be updated based on the second image version.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS; BENEFIT CLAIM

This application claims the benefit of Provisional Appln. 62/056,391,filed Sep. 26, 2014, the entire contents of which is hereby incorporatedby reference as if fully set forth herein, under 35 U.S.C. §119(e).

This application is related to U.S. application Ser. No. ______(Attorney Docket No. 50277-4612), filed January ______, 2015, entitled“Image Advisor”; U.S. application Ser. No. ______ (Attorney Docket No.50277-4613), filed January ______, 2015, entitled “Populating Contentfor a Base Version of an Image”; U.S. application Ser. No. ______(Attorney Docket No. 50277-4614), filed January ______, 2015, entitled“Creation of a Software Configuration Signature for Software”; U.S.application Ser. No. ______ (Attorney Docket No. 50277-4616), filedJanuary ______, 2015, entitled “Drift Management of Images”; andProvisional Appln. 62/056,412, filed Sep. 26, 2014, the entire contentsfor each of which is hereby incorporated by reference as if fully setforth herein.

This application is also related to U.S. application Ser. No.13/832,381, the entire contents of which is hereby incorporated byreference as if fully set forth herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to standardization of deployed resources.The disclosure relates more specifically to computer-implementedtechniques for recommending, creating, and managing standardizedconfiguration levels across different target software deployments.

BACKGROUND

The approaches described in this section are approaches that could bepursued, but not necessarily approaches that have been previouslyconceived or pursued. Therefore, unless otherwise indicated, it shouldnot be assumed that any of the approaches described in this sectionqualify as prior art merely by virtue of their inclusion in thissection.

Many datacenters undergo two major types of transformations over time.First, a typical datacenter experiences significant growth with an everincreasing number of software deployments. Second, the softwarearchitecture within the datacenter is typically improved or updated withadvancements in technology or changes to the underlying deploymentmodels. These transformations frequently lead to software deploymentsthat are siloed, dispersed, varied and complex. Some enterprisedeployments have hundreds and thousands of software deployments acrossmultiple versions and various software patch levels.

The ever-increasing and divergent nature of software deployments withina datacenter leads to significant challenges for system administrators.A large, varied, distributed environment may demand quite a number ofout of band emergency and ad-hoc changes to keep the systems performingproperly. As the differences continue to exist and grow with additionaldeployments and updates, the risk of unpredictable failures andunplanned downtimes may increase. In addition, the varied and complexnature of the software deployments may result in poor resourceutilization and cause issues with planned maintenance windows.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various embodiments are illustrated by way of example, and not by way oflimitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in whichlike reference numerals refer to similar elements and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates an example system for managing standards of deployedresources;

FIG. 2 illustrates an example process for mapping targets to recommendedsoftware configuration levels;

FIG. 3 illustrates an example process for computing an end statedefinition;

FIG. 4 illustrates an example process for normalizing patches acrossdifferent targets associated with a particular recommendation bucket;

FIG. 5 illustrates different methods that may be used to create a goldimage;

FIG. 6 illustrates updates to an end state definition and correspondinggold image as patches are released over time;

FIG. 7 illustrates the creation of a base and subsequent versions of agold image;

FIG. 8 illustrates an example process for maintaining standards across aplurality of targets;

FIG. 9 illustrates targets that subscribe to an image and follow theupdates to the latest versions available

FIG. 10 illustrates an example datacenter environment where multiplegold images are maintained;

FIG. 11 illustrates an example hash table that maps signatures tocorresponding software configuration descriptions;

FIG. 12 illustrates an example gold image that has been tagged with aplurality of signatures;

FIG. 13 illustrates an example process for performing compliance checksusing software configuration level signatures;

FIG. 14 illustrates a transition between different states for versionsof a gold image;

FIG. 15 illustrates the cycle that occurs within a gold image duringcreation of a new image version;

FIG. 16 illustrates an example process for identifying rogue targetswithin a flocking group;

FIG. 17 illustrates different methods of reconciling a rogue targetbased on how the rogue target is classified;

FIG. 18 illustrates an example image update that incorporates a roguetarget's drift patches;

FIGS. 19A, 19B, 19C, 19D, 19E, and 19F illustrate example dashboards andother interfaces that may be used to manage the standardization process;and

FIG. 20 is a block diagram that illustrates a computer system upon whichan embodiment may be implemented.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, for the purposes of explanation, numerousspecific details are set forth in order to provide a thoroughunderstanding of the disclosure. It will be apparent, however, that thepresent invention may be practiced without these specific details. Inother instances, structures and devices are shown in block diagram formin order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present invention.

Image Advisor General Overview

In various embodiments, computer systems, stored instructions, andtechnical steps are described for generating recommendations forreducing configuration pollution. The recommendations may generallyidentify ways in which the number of different software configurationswithin a managed environment may be minimized or otherwise reduced. Byreducing pollution, the environment may become more manageable andsecure. In addition, the amount of computing resources that are consumedby siloed, dispersed, varied, and complex deployments may besignificantly improved.

According to one embodiment, an image advisor includes logic andinterfaces for generating a set of software configurationclassifications based on a set of attributes associated with a pluralityof targets. The image advisor associates each respective softwareconfiguration classification in the set of software configurationclassifications with one or more targets of the plurality of targets.For each respective software configuration classification in the set ofsoftware configuration classifications, the image advisor generates andprovides a recommendation that identifies a recommended set of sourcecomponents for the one or more targets of the plurality of targets.

In another embodiment, the image advisor includes logic for andinterfaces for determining a set of current software configurationlevels based on a set of one or more attributes associated with aplurality of targets. Each respective current software configurationlevel in the set of software configuration levels may be associated withat least one target, of the plurality of targets, that is currentlyconfigured at the respective current software configuration level. Theimage advisor further determines a set of recommended softwareconfiguration levels based on the set of one or more attributesassociated with the plurality of targets. Each recommended softwareconfiguration level in the set of recommended software configurationlevels is for at least one target of the plurality of targets. The imageadvisor may display the current configuration levels and/or the set ofrecommended software configuration levels.

Populating Content General Overview

Software resources within a datacenter or other managed environment maybe deployed at varying levels of configuration. For example, differentdeployments of a software resource may have different levels of patchessuch that one or more patches are applied at one deployment that havenot been applied at another deployment. The number of potentialconfigurations may negatively impact manageability and complicatestandardization across the different deployments.

In various embodiments, computer systems, stored instructions, andtechnical steps are described for determining a recommended standardsoftware configuration level for a plurality of software deploymentsthat may be at varying levels of configuration. Based on thedetermination, an image may be generated that satisfies the recommendedstandard set of source components. The image may be used to updatesoftware deployments that do not satisfy the recommended standard.

In one embodiment, a base version of an image is created based on ananalysis of the patch levels of a plurality of target softwaredeployments. The patch information may be normalized across theplurality of target software deployments to provide a list of patches toinclude in the recommended standard and base version of the image.

In one embodiment, recommended patch information is further augmentedwith external recommendations from a service provider. The externalrecommendations may include tenant-generic patch recommendations, suchas global vendor recommendations for a particular software product, ortenant-specific patch recommendations, such as patches for diagnosedsupport tickets. The augmented patch information may be incorporatedinto a base version of the image that is created for the plurality oftarget software deployments. The recommendations may be used todetermine which level of configuration to recommend as a standard.

Software Configuration Signature Overview

Many attributes may be involved in describing the configuration levelassociated with a particular software deployment. For example, anexample description may include attributes that identify a name, releasedate, and platform of the product as well as information that uniquelyidentifies each patch applied, if any. As another example, a compositetarget may be composed of a plurality of different softwareproducts/applications or other elements. Each software application maycomprise a plurality of plug-ins or other sub-elements, and eachsub-element may be independently updatable with its own lifecycles andpatches. Given such complexities, determining the configuration levelfor a particular target may be a time-intensive process involving agreat number of attribute comparisons and consuming valuable processingresources.

In various embodiments, computer systems, stored instructions, andtechnical steps are described for generating a software configurationlevel signature. The configuration level signature allows for quickcomparisons of the configuration levels of targets and for compliancechecks to determine whether a particular target meets a particularconfiguration level. The configuration level signature further providesscalability in performing configuration comparisons as the number ofdeployments increase rapidly.

In one embodiment, a software configuration level signature is generatedfor a target software deployment based on digest information associatedwith the software deployment. The digest information may comprise anordered set of attributes that describe or otherwise identify a set ofsource components from which software deployment is run. For example,the digest information may identify a software system's base version andall the patches applied to the software system. The digest informationmay further identify all the components within a software image and itscorresponding patch levels. In a composite system, the components mayinclude a parent software unit and independent but associated childsoftware pieces that are collectively part of the parent software unit.Each component may have a lifecycle of its own. The configuration levelsignature may be stored as a target property for the associated softwaredeployment.

In another embodiment, a signature is generated for a target set ofsource components. This signature may be compared against a set of oneor more signatures that are associated with one or more respectivesoftware deployments. If the signature of a particular softwaredeployment does not match the signature for the target set of sourcecomponents, then the software deployment may be classified asnon-compliant.

Version Management Overview

Standards within datacenters and other environments may evolve overtime. For example, software deployments may continuously be added,patched, or otherwise modified. As software upgrades and other patchesare released, the standards may be updated to capture such changes.

In various embodiments, computer systems, stored instructions, andtechnical steps are described for managing standards for groups oftarget software deployments. In one embodiment, subscription data ismaintained for a group of target software deployments that subscribe toa gold image. A gold image represents a standard to follow for thesubscribed targets. The group of targets may be referred to as a“flocking group” as the targets follow the lead of the gold image and,thus, “flock” together. If the gold image changes, then the subscribedtargets follow and apply the changes to keep up with the lateststandards.

Multiple image versions of a gold image may be maintained. Eachdifferent version represents a different level of configuration andtracks the evolution of the gold image standard over time. For example,when a new version of an image is created, one or more subsequentversions may remain active. This allows subscribed targets time tochange to the new standard, preventing unwanted and potentially damaginginterruptions.

In one embodiment, creation of a new version of an image results inrevising of an end-state definition of the image and the correspondingpayload creation. Creation of a new image version may includecomputation of additional patches from one or more sources.

A new version of an image may follow a particular lifecycle. In oneembodiment, the image version transitions through a plurality of statesincluding one or more of a draft state, an active restricted state, anactive current state, an active state, and/or a retired state.

Drift Management Overview

Different software deployments that initially share the same level ofconfiguration may drift over time. For example, ad hoc updates or otherpatches may be applied at one target deployment that are not applied tothe other, or some updates may not be applied at certain targets due toerror or rollback. If left unmanaged, software deployments may driftfurther apart as more patches are released and applied.

In various embodiments, computer systems, stored instructions, andtechnical steps are described for managing drift amongst a plurality ofsoftware deployments that follow a standard. By preventing or reducingdrift, standards that span a potentially large number of softwaredeployments may be more easily maintained. This allows for a moremanageable and secure environment and may optimize resource utilizationby preventing deployments from becoming too siloed, dispersed, complex,and varied.

In one embodiment, an end state definition is stored that identifies astandard level of configuration for a plurality of target softwaredeployments. A drift management system may determine if a targetsoftware deployment has drifted from the standard level of configurationidentified by the end state definition. If at least one target softwaredeployment has drifted, the drift management system may performreconciliation to bring the drifter back into compliance with thestandards.

Standardization Management System

Techniques described herein may be implemented by a standardizationmanagement system that provides a centralized location from which totrack monitor, and maintain deployments of software resources within adatacenter or other managed environment. The standardization managementsystem may support a variety of functions relating to standardization ofthe software resources including, without limitation:

-   -   identifying different configurations associated with targets        that are deployed within a datacenter, cloud, or other        environment;    -   recommending standardized configurations for groups of targets        based on classifications of the targets;    -   generating gold images representing standardized configurations        for different respective groups of targets;    -   generating and decomposing signatures that uniquely represent a        standardized configuration;    -   maintaining multiple versions of gold images for a group of        targets;    -   managing targets that drift from a gold image standard; and/or    -   presenting dashboards and/or other graphical user interface        (GUI) elements for streamlining the standardization process.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example system for managing standards of deployedresources, according to an embodiment. System 100 generally compriseshost 110 a to 110 n, data collector 120, repository 130, andstandardization management logic 140. Components of system 100 may beimplemented in one or more datacenters, one or more clouds, and/or oneor more other networked environments.

Hosts 110 a to 110 n represent a set of one or more network hosts andgenerally comprise targets 112 a to 112 n and agents 114 a to 114 n.Each agent is a process, such as a service or daemon, that executes onthe corresponding host machine and monitors one or more respectivetargets. A “target” in this context refers to a software deployment,where a software deployment may include, without limitation,applications, system programs, development software, and/or othersoftware systems that are deployed within system 100. A target is runfrom a set of source components, where the source components for asoftware deployment include, without limitation, sets of instructionsand/or configurations that have been made as the result of, for example,patching configuring, modifying, updating, or newly provisioning orinitializing software. The term “source components for a softwaredeployment” is used interchangeably herein with the term “level ofconfiguration for the software deployment.”

Although only one agent and target is illustrated per host in FIG. 1,the number of agents and/or targets per host may vary fromimplementation to implementation. For example, multiple agents may beinstalled on a given host to monitor different target applications orother resources.

Agents 114 a to 114 n are communicatively coupled with data collector120 and send the collected data to data collector 120 according to oneor more communication protocols. Example communication protocols thatmay be used to transport data between the agents and data collector 120include, without limitation, the hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP),simple network management protocol (SNMP), and other communicationprotocols of the internet protocol suite.

Data collector 120 aggregates data collected or otherwise received fromagents 114 a to 114 n and stores the aggregated data in repository 130.In an embodiment, data collector 120 is executed by one of hosts 110 ato 110 n. Alternatively, data collector 120 is executed on a differenthost machine that does not execute any agents. Similarly, repository 130and standardization management logic 140 may reside on any of theillustrated host machines or may be implemented on a separate host orset of hosts including, without limitation, in the cloud.

Standardization management logic 140 manages various aspects relating tostandardization of resources deployed on hosts 110 a to 110 n.Standardization management logic 140 may include, without limitation,image advisor 142, image creator 144, group manager 146, signaturegenerator 148, version manager 150, and/or drift manager 152. Each ofthese components supports a distinct set of functions as described infurther detail herein.

Standardization management logic 140 may further comprise controlconsole 154, which provides a user interface that allows a user tomonitor and administer, locally or from a remote network location, thestandardization processes described herein. The user interface maycomprise, without limitation, a graphical user interface (GUI), anapplication programming interface (API), a command-line interface (CLI)or some other means of interacting with a user. A “user” in this contextmay include, without limitation, an application or a human user such asa system administrator.

Configuration Identification and Classification

In one embodiment, image advisor 142 includes logic for identifying andclassifying a current set of source components for targets 112 a to 112n. For example, image advisor 142 may determine how many differentsoftware versions and patches are deployed within system 100. Imageadvisor 142 may classify the current set of source components of atarget based on a set of attributes that describe or otherwise identifyhow the target is configured. By identifying the current levels ofconfiguration and the source components for targets 112 a to 112 n, acomplete picture of configuration pollution, if any, within system 100may be formed.

The set of source components and configuration level for differentsoftware deployments may be classified based on primary attributes andsecondary attributes. A primary attribute is an attribute that does notchange between different deployments of the same software resource.Primary attributes may be used to describe a base version of a softwaredeployment. Example primary attribute may include, without limitation:

-   -   Target type: This attribute primarily classifies targets at the        product level, such as identifying the product name and or        vendor. This attribute may further identify the architecture        model of the product. For example, some database management        systems support deployment on a standalone server, within a        clustered environment, etc.    -   Software release version: This attribute identifies the release        version of the target resource. There may be multiple release        versions available in a data center environment. A given release        may have multiple deployments with varying patches.    -   Operating system (or platform) version: This attribute        identifies an operating system (OS) or other platform where the        software is hosted. There may be more than one OS type in a        datacenter. Thus, the same product may be classified differently        when executed on different platforms.

Targets may further be classified based on an applied patches attribute.This attribute identifies critical patch updates (CPU), patch setupdates (PSUs) or other patches have been applied at the target. A“patch” as used herein may comprise a plug-in, bug fix, featureimprovement, custom-defined modification and/or some other update to asoftware deployment. The patch may change the program executable whenapplied. Different deployments of the same version of an application mayhave patches that were applied at one target, but not another.

Secondary attributes are attributes that may differ between differentdeployments of the same software resource. Secondary attributes may beused to fine grain the configuration classification of a target further.Examples of secondary attributes may include, without limitation:

-   -   Supported application: This attribute identifies applications        that are supported by a target. For example, a database        management system may be used to support customer relationship        management (CRM) applications, business intelligence (BI)        applications, etc.    -   Location: This attribute identifies a location of the target.        For example, a given application may be deployed in        geographically distinct data centers that are managed by the        same standardization management logic. The attribute may        identify the geographic region and/or particular datacenter to        which the target belongs.    -   Line of Business: This attribute identifies a line-of-business        (LOB) supported by the target. For example, the LOB may include        different categories such as accounting, supply chain        management, human resources, etc.    -   Tenant: This attribute identifies a tenant with which the target        is associated. Some datacenters support multi-tenant        environments, where different targets belong to or are otherwise        associated with different tenants.    -   Custom properties: A user may create custom properties for the        targets. For example, an administrator may define a security        level attribute to classify highly sensitive targets separately        from other targets within the same data center.

In one embodiment, data collector 120 collects and stores one or more ofthe above attributes in repository 130 for each of targets 112 a to 112n. Once collected, image advisor 142 scans the target properties todetermine the current software configurations for targets 112 a to 112n. Image advisor 142 then uses the attributes to identify all uniquesoftware configurations within system 100. For example, all targets thatshare a common target type, software release, operating system, andpatch set update may be grouped into a single, unique configurationclassification. In other examples, additional secondary attributes maybe used to fine grain the classifications. For instance, groups thatbelong to different locations, LOBs, and/or tenants may be groupedseparately. Image advisor 142 may the different configurationclassifications and how many targets belong to each differentconfiguration classification to a user, as described further below.

The primary and secondary attributes identified above a given by way ofexample, but may vary from implementation to implementation. Forexample, in some software deployments, one or more of the primaryattributes identified above may be a secondary attribute or vice versa.In some embodiments, primary and secondary attributes may be determinedbased on domain-specific rules or other information that apply to aparticular application domain. Thus, the primary attributes that defineone software configuration classification may differ from the primaryattributes of another software configuration classification.

Recommended End State Configuration Levels

In one embodiment, image advisor 142 includes logic for determining andgenerating recommended software source components for targets 112 a to112 n. A logical description of the recommended configuration level isherein referred to as an “end state definition.” The end statedefinition comprises data that defines or otherwise identifies therecommended set of source components in terms of one or more recommendedtarget attributes. For example, the end state definition may specify thetarget type, software version, operating system, and patches that arerecommended for a group of targets.

In one embodiment, image advisor 142 computes an initial end-statedefinition based on an analysis of target attributes for targets 112 ato 112 n. To compute the initial end-state definition, image advisor mayperform a coarse classification based on the primary attributes. With acoarse classification, targets that are associated with the same primaryattributes (e.g., target type, software version, and platform) areassigned or otherwise associated with a particular end-state definitioneven though the secondary attributes of the targets may differ. In thisscenario, the primary attributes act as a least common denominator forgrouping targets. Thus, targets with common primary attributes share thesame recommended set of source components.

Image advisor 142 may also use one or more secondary attributes togenerate and/or refine the initial end-state definitions. Targets withdifferent secondary attributes or combinations of secondary attributesmay be classified in different groups even though the targets may sharethe same primary attributes. For example, a target application at onelocation with the same primary attribute as a target application at asecond location may be associated with a different recommended set ofsource components and end state definition. In addition or as analternative to location, one or more other secondary attributes may beused in the analysis, allowing for different levels of granularity whenclassifying targets.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example process for mapping targets to recommendedsoftware configuration levels. The process includes grouping targetsinto recommendation buckets based on classification attributes asdiscussed further below. A “recommendation bucket” or “softwareconfiguration classification” as used in this context refers to alogical grouping of one or more targets (e.g., software deployments)that share the same classification attributes. Targets that belong tothe same recommendation bucket/software configuration classification areassociated with the same end point definition and recommend softwareconfiguration level.

With respect to the process depicted in FIG. 2, at step 202, imageadvisor 142 identifies a set of classification attributes for a selectedtarget from targets 112 a to 112 n. The set of classification attributesthat are used for target classification may vary from implementation toimplementation. In one embodiment, the set of classification attributesidentified at step 202 include the primary attributes of the selectedtarget and zero or more secondary attributes.

At step 204, image advisor 142 analyzes the set of attributes todetermine whether the selected target fits an existing recommendationbucket. A target fits a recommendation bucket if the set ofclassification attributes matches the classification attributes of othertargets within the same recommendation bucket. For example, targets withthe same target type, release version, and platform may be grouped intothe same recommendation bucket, even though other attributes, such asapplied patches or other secondary attributes may differ between targetsin the recommendation bucket.

If the selected target does not fit a respective recommendation bucketor no recommendation buckets have been created, then at step 206, imageadvisor 142 generates a new recommendation bucket based on the set ofclassification attributes. For example, when the selected targetincludes a new primary attribute, image advisor 142 creates a newrecommendation bucket. “New” in this context means that the primaryattribute was not encountered in a previously analyzed target during theclassification process.

If the selected target fits into a respective recommendation bucket oronce the bucket has been created at step 206, then at step 208 imageadvisor 142 adds the selected target to the recommendation bucket. Insome cases, a user may be permitted to define classification criteriasuch that a target fits into more than one recommendation bucket. Insuch a scenario, only one of the buckets is selected at step 208 to addthe target. The selection may be made by the user or may automaticallybe determined by image advisor 142.

At step 210, image advisor 142 determines whether there are anyremaining targets to analyze. If there is a remaining target that hasnot been added to a recommendation bucket, then step 202 to 208 arerepeated for a newly selected target. This process may be repeated untileach of targets 112 a to 112 n has been analyzed and classified.

Once the targets have been analyzed and classified, then at step 212image advisor 142 defines end states for targets within therecommendation buckets. In one embodiment, image advisor 142 computes adifferent end-state definition for each respective recommendationbucket. Targets are then associated with the end-state definition of therecommendation bucket to which they belong. Thus, targets within thesame recommendation bucket share the same end-state definition andrecommended set of source components. Targets within separaterecommendation buckets are associated with different end-statedefinitions and different recommended set of source components.

Recommendation Refinement

Image advisor 142 may allow the user to filter and segment therecommendation buckets further by specifying secondary criteria. Forexample, an initial analysis may group targets using only primaryattributes and no secondary attributes. Thus, targets with the sameprimary attributes are placed in the same recommendation bucket,regardless of any differences in secondary attributes. The user may theninput one or more secondary attributes filter out specific targets oradjust the groupings. In one example, an administrator may not wanthighly sensitive targets to be involved in the standardization process.To prevent such a scenario, the user may filter out/remove targets fromthe recommendation buckets based on a security-level attributeassociated with the targets. As another example, a user may submit arequest to further segment the recommendation buckets by location, LOB,or some other secondary attribute or combination of attributes. Inresponse to receiving the request, image advisor 142 adjusts therecommendation buckets in accordance with the additional criteria.

Additional segment criteria may create a finer granularity amongst therecommendation buckets, resulting in a greater number of recommendationbuckets and end-state definitions. As an example, a particularrecommendation bucket may include ten targets. Five of the targets maybe installed at a first location, and three targets may be installed ata second location, and two targets may be installed at a third location.If the user then requests further segmentation by location, then therecommendation bucket is segmented into three new recommendation bucketsbased on location. One of the two new recommendation buckets includesthe five targets from the first location, the second recommendationbucket includes the three targets from the second location, and thethird recommendation bucket includes the three targets form the thirdlocation. Each of these buckets may be further segmented based onadditional criteria. This approach allows the user to adjust theparameters by which targets are grouped for standardization

End State Computation

For a given recommendation bucket, several possible end statedefinitions and corresponding set of source components may be possible.For example, a particular recommendation bucket may include targets thatare configured in several different ways. In some cases, one of thetargets may be configured according to an optimized configuration. Inother cases, none of the targets may be optimally configured.

As discussed above, image advisor 142 may compute initial end-statedefinitions based on an analysis of targets 112 a to 112 n. To computethe end-state definition for a particular recommendation bucket, imageadvisor 142 may normalize the set of source components from the targetsthat belong to the particular recommendation bucket. Normalization mayinvolve merging or otherwise combining different configurations of thetargets into a single end state definition corresponding to arecommended standard set of source components. For example, imageadvisor may combine patches applied to each target within therecommendation bucket as described further herein.

After an initial end-state definition is computed at 260, the end-statedefinition may be further enhanced and updated. For example, imageadvisor 142 may check for updates or other recommended configurationinformation from external sources, such as a vendor support site. In oneembodiment, image advisor 142 may modify the end-state definition basedon:

-   -   Target-generic/tenant-generic configuration recommendations from        a vendor or other service provider; and/or    -   Target-specific/tenant-specific configuration recommendations        from a vendor or other service provider.

A “target-generic” or “tenant-generic” recommendation in the abovecontext refers to a recommendation that applies to a particular softwareapplication regardless of where the software application is installed orthe entity that controls the software deployment. As an example, avendor may issue a global CPU or PSU to all its customers.

A “target specific” or “tenant specific” recommendation, also referredto herein as a “targeted” recommendation, refers to a recommendationthat applies to a specific target or tenant. For example, a vendor mayissue a custom-tailored patch update for a particular customer'senvironment.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example process for computing an end statedefinition. At step 302, image advisor 142 computes an initial end-statedefinition for a particular recommendation bucket. As an example, imageadvisor may normalize the patch information data across targets withinthe recommendation bucket as described further below.

At step 304, image advisor 142 determines whether there are anytarget/tenant generic recommendations. Image advisor 142 may determinewhether there are any generic recommendations by querying a vendor'ssupport site or other external service for additional recommendedconfigurations that are not included in the end state computed at step302.

If there are additional recommended configurations, then at step 306,the end state definition is updated accordingly. If there are noadditional recommended configurations or the update has completed atstep 306, then the process proceeds to step 308.

At step 308, image advisor 142 determines whether are any target ortenant specific recommended configurations that were not included in theinitial end state definition. In one embodiment, image advisoridentifies the configurations by searching for pending service requestsassociated with targets in the recommendation bucket.

If there are any additional tenant or target specific recommendedconfigurations, then at step 310, the end state definition is updated toinclude those configurations. If there are no additional recommendedconfigurations or the update at step 310 is complete, then the processproceeds to step 312, and image advisor 142 provides the recommended endstate for the recommendation bucket. Provide in this context mayinclude, without limitation, sending the end state over a network,storing data identifying the recommended end state at a specifiedstorage location, and/or causing the recommended end state to bedisplayed.

Patch Normalization Across Targets

As previously indicated, targets within the same recommendation bucketmay have different levels of patches that have been applied. Forexample, one target may have applied one or more vendor-supplied patchesand/or one or more custom patches that were not applied to at least oneother target in the same recommendation bucket. In order to determinewhich patches to include in the end state definition, image advisor 142may normalize patches across the set of targets within a givenrecommendation bucket.

According to one embodiment, image advisor 142 performs a union of allpatches installed on targets within a recommendation bucket to normalizethe patches and compute an initial end state definition. The unionoperation retains the unique patches that have been applied to thetargets and discards redundant patches (i.e., patches that have beenapplied to more than one target).

In another embodiment, image advisor 142 may normalize patches based ona frequency with which the patches occur across targets within arecommendation bucket. Patches that occur above a threshold frequencymay be added to the recommended end state, while patches that do notsatisfy the threshold may be omitted.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example process for normalizing patches acrossdifferent targets associated with a particular recommendation bucket. Atstep 402, image advisor 142 analyzes a selected target to identify whichpatches, if any, have been applied. In one embodiment, the targetproperties collected by agents 114 a to 114 n and data collector 120include patch description information that identifies which patches havebeen applied to targets 112 a to 112 n. Image advisor 142 may search thetarget properties of the selected target to determine which patches havebeen applied.

If one or more patches have been applied to the selected target, then,at step 404, image advisor 142 determines which of the one or morepatches have already been added to a list of recommended patchesassociated with the end state definition. If at least one patch is notincluded in the list, then the process continues to step 406. Otherwise,the process proceeds to step 408.

At step 406, image advisor 142 extracts, from the target properties ofthe selected target, patch information for each patch that is notincluded in the list of recommended patches and adds the patchinformation to the list. In some embodiments, image advisor 142 maycheck an exceptions list before adding a patch to the list. For example,the exceptions list may identify incompatible or undesired patches thatshould not be added to the list or patches to recommend. If a particularpatch is on the exception list, then image advisor 142 may proceedwithout adding the particular patch.

At step 408, image advisor 142 determines whether there are remainingtargets within the recommendation bucket. If there is a remaining targetthat has not yet been analyzed, then the process repeats the remainingtargets. Otherwise the process continues to step 412.

At step 410, image advisor 142 generates or updates an end statedefinition that includes the list of recommended patches. The end statedefinition is associated with the particular recommendation bucket inorder to recommend a standardize patch level for targets within thebucket. The normalized patch list may be presented to a user such thatthe user may view and browse the list of recommended patches.

Generic and Custom Patch Recommendations

As previously indicated, image advisor 142 may modify the end statedefinition based on generic or targeted configuration recommendations.In one embodiment, these recommendations include recommended patchupdates from vendors and/or other service providers. For example, theend-state definition may be further enhance by adding patches from:

-   -   A vendor or other service provider's patch recommendations such        as CPUs or PSUs; and/or    -   Support tickets created for the targets for which a solution has        been provisioned but not yet applied.

In order to determine whether there are generic recommendations, imageadvisor 142 may send a request to a service provider's support site. Therequest may include an end state definition or other data thatidentifies the current recommended end state for a particular bucket oftargets. In response to receiving the request, the support site maycheck the recommended patches against the service provider's releasedpatches for the corresponding software product. If the support site doesnot identify a patch not already included in the currently recommendedend state, then the support site may send a response to image advisor142 indicating there are no additional recommendations. Otherwise, ifthe support site identifies a patch that is not included in thecurrently recommended end state, then the support site may send aresponse to image advisor 142 that includes the patch or indicates alocation where the patch may be downloaded. Image advisor 142 may thenupdate the end state definition with information identifying the serviceprovider's recommended patches.

In one example, image advisor 142 may search for pending support ticketsfor targets within a recommendation bucket. A “support ticket” in thiscontext refers to data item that identifies a service request from acustomer or other user to a service provider. For example, the supportticket may comprise a request to correct a particular error or provide aparticular enhancement for a particular software application. A supportticket is said to be pending if the service request has not beenresolved or if a resolution has not yet been applied to the target(s)for which the service request pertains. If image advisor 142 detects asupport ticket for one of the targets that is still pending, imageadvisor 142 may send a status request to the service provider's supportsite. If the support site determines that the service request isresolved, then the support site may send a response to image advisor 142that includes the patch or indicates a location where the patch may bedownloaded. Image advisor 142 may then update the end state definitionwith information identifying the service provider's recommended patches.

Gold Image Creation

The end-state definition is the logical definition of a set of softwaresource components. For example, the end-state definition may define theset of source components as a base software version plus that recommendpatches to apply on top of it. A physical software binary component thatrepresents the end-state is herein referred to as a “gold image”. Theterm “gold” is a qualifier signifying an optimal or recommended standardor level for the software configuration. The gold image may be used toinstall software that includes the recommended set of source components.

In one embodiment, image creator 144 includes logic for creating a goldimage based on an end-state definition. In order to create the goldimage, image creator 144 determines the configuration-level of thesoftware as defined by the end-state definition. For example, imagecreator 144 may determine the base version of the software plus whichpatches are recommended. Image creator 144 then generates a gold imagecomprising the binary payload or other machine-readable code thatincludes the source components identified by the end-state definition.

The manner in which image creator 144 generates the payload data for thegold image may vary from implementation to implementation. For example,FIG. 5 illustrates different methods that may be used to create a goldimage. In scenario 502, image creator picks the software from areference target. For example, one or more targets within a particularrecommendation bucket may already include the recommended set of sourcecomponents. In such a scenario, image advisor 144 may assign one ofthese targets to act as the gold image or may copy the binary payload toanother location. In scenario 504, image creator “cooks” a gold imagefrom a reference with patches on top. For example, if there areadditional patches identified as recommended, image creator 144 maydeploy a base version of the software application on a test target, andthen apply the recommended patches.

Once the gold image is created, image advisor 142 maps the gold image tothe recommendation buckets and associated targets for which the goldimage was created. Thus, each recommendation bucket and the targetstherein are associated with a particular end state definition thatdefines a recommended set of source components and a gold image thatcomprises the physical payload of the software that includes therecommended set of source components.

End State and Gold Image Updates

The optimal configuration level for targets may change over time. Forexample, plug-ins, bug fixes, or other patches may be periodicallyreleased by the vendor of a software application. In order to accountfor such updates, the end state definition and gold image for aparticular bucket of targets may change over time.

In one embodiment, a base version of an end state definition and goldimage is initially created by standardization management logic 140.After the base version is created, patches that are released areintroduced at the end-state definition level, and image creator 144 maycreate a new version of the gold image.

FIG. 6 illustrates updates to an end state definition and correspondinggold image as patches are released over time. Version 602 represents thebase version of an end-state definition that was created at time T1. Thebase version of the end-state definition corresponds to the base versionof a software application plus two patches applied on top. Image 608 isthe gold image that matches the configuration level defined by version602. At time T2, five more patches for the software application arereleased. Version 604 of the end state definition is created by updatingversion 602 to include the additional patches, and image 610 is createdby applying the additional patches to image 608. At time T3, a PSU plustwo more patches are released. Version 606 of the end state definitionis created by adding the PSU and two additional patches to version 604of the end state definition, and image 612 is created by applying thePSU and two additional patches to image 610. At time T3, version 606represents the current/latest version of the end-state definition, andimage 612 represents the current/latest version of the gold image.

FIG. 7 illustrates the creation of a base version and subsequentversions of a gold image. As previously discussed, the base version ofan image may be pulled directly from a reference target or by cookingthe image from a reference with patches on top. New image versions arecreated by applying newly acquired patches on top of the base version.

Flocking Groups

In order to standardize the set of source components for targets withina recommendation bucket, the targets may subscribe to a gold image. Agroup of targets that subscribe to the same gold image are hereinreferred to as a “flocking group”. The gold image acts as the lead forthe flocking group. As the gold image is being revised for changes, thesubscribed targets follow the gold image to keep up with the latestversions.

FIG. 8 illustrates an example process for maintaining standards across aplurality of targets. At 802, a set of one or more end states aredefined. Defining the end states may comprise analyzing targets 112 a to112 n and grouping the targets into recommendation buckets as describedabove.

At 804, the targets are subscribed to a particular end state definitionand corresponding gold image. In one embodiment, each recommendationbucket is subscribed to a single end state definition and a single goldimage. Thus, the targets within the same recommendation bucket form aflocking group. Group manager 146 may maintain subscription data thatmaps targets within a flocking group to a particular end statedefinition.

At 806, the end state definition is updated. For example, a serviceprovider may release CPUs or PSUs for a particular software applicationthat is associated with the end state definition. These patches may thenbe added to the end state definition, and the corresponding gold imagemay be updated.

At 808, the targets that are subscribed to the end state definitionfollow the end state definition. For example, newly released upgrades orother patches are applied to each of the targets within the sameflocking group. Thus, changes to a gold image are propagated tosubscribed targets, facilitating updates in large-scale environments andmaintaining a standardized configuration across different softwaredeployments.

FIG. 9 illustrates targets that subscribe to an image and follow theupdates to the latest versions available. Image 902 represents the endstate definition for a particular release version of a softwareapplication that runs on a particular platform. Image 902 includesmultiple versions of a gold image. Target(s) 904 represent one or moretargets that are subscribed to image 902. As image 902 is updated,target(s) 904 follow the image such that the configuration of thetargets matches the configuration of image 902. Patches that are appliedto image 902 are also propagated to each of target(s) 904.

Multi-Image Management

In some cases, more than one gold image may be maintained for targets112 a to 112 n. For example, image advisor 142 may recommend differentend state definitions for different software configurationclassifications as described above. Image creator 144 may generate adifferent gold image to represent each respective end state definition.Group manager 146 may then automatically subscribe each respectivetarget to an image based on the respective target's softwareconfiguration classification. In addition or alternatively, anadministrator or other user may manually select targets or groups oftargets to be subscribed to an image.

FIG. 10 illustrates an example datacenter environment where multiplegold images are maintained. Image 1002 represents a gold image for afirst software configuration classification, image 1004 represents agold image for a second software configuration classification, and image1006 represents a gold image for third software configurationclassification. Target(s) 1012 comprise one or more targets that fit thefirst software configuration classification and are subscribed to goldimage 1002, target(s) 1014 comprise one or more targets that fit thesecond software configuration classification and are subscribed to goldimage 1004, and target(s) 1016 comprise one or more targets that fit thethird software configuration classification and are subscribed to goldimage 1006.

When there are multiple gold images, targets follow the image to whichthey are subscribed but do not follow other gold images. For example, ifimage 1002 is updated, a new version of the gold image is created.Target(s) 1012 may then apply the updates to follow the new version ofthe gold image. However, target(s) 1014 and 1016 do not apply theupdates as they do not subscribe to image 1002. Similarly, updates toimage 1004 are applied to target(s) 1014, but not target(s) 1012 and1016, and updates to image 1006 are applied to target(s) 1016, but nottarget(s) 1012 and 1014.

Signature Generation

In one embodiment, signature generator 148 generates a softwareconfiguration level signature from digest information associated with atarget or gold image version. “Digest information”, in this context,refers to data that identifies a set of source components. For example,the digest information may comprise an ordered set of attributes thatdescribe or otherwise identify characteristics of a respective target.Any item that is included in the digest or any item that modifies asoftware installation may be considered a source component.

Signature generator 148 may extract the digest information by mining andcollating a set of target properties, such as those described above,that identify the source components of the target. Generally, theattributes that are mined and used to generate the signature compriseattributes that identifies a software system's base version and thepatches that have been applied to the software.

The order in which the attributes are collated may vary fromimplementation to implementation. In one embodiment, signature generator148 starts with attributes that apply to the outermost shell of atarget. Signature generator 148 then works inward to collate propertiesthat apply to elements, sub-elements, etc. As an example, signaturegenerator may create a string that begins with primary attributesdescribing the outer shell (e.g., the primary attributes), followed byattributes identifying target components that are part of the target andwithin the outer shell (e.g., plugins or other applications), followedby attributes identifying sub-components applied to each of thecomponents (e.g., patches).

In one embodiment, the signature is a hash value obtained by applying ahash function to the digest information. When applying the hashfunction, the digest information serves as the hash key that is inputinto the hash function. In response to receiving the digest information,the hash function maps the digest information to a hash value that maybe used to uniquely identify the software source components described inthe digest information. The hash function that is applied to the digestinformation may vary from implementation to implementation. Examples mayinclude, without limitation, cryptographic hash functions andnon-cryptographic hash functions.

Signature Mappings

In one embodiment, signature generator 148 maintains signature-to-digestmappings that map signatures to corresponding digest information. Forexample, signature generator 148 may maintain the mappings within a hashtable or other data structure. Thus, given a particular signature, thecorresponding software configuration level may be determined andextracted from the signature-to-digest mappings. Furthermore, individualattributes or groups of attributes that are included in the digestinformation may be determined and extracted. For instance, the targettype, release version, platform, and/or patches may be determined andextracted for a given signature.

FIG. 11 illustrates an example hash table that maps signatures tocorresponding software configuration descriptions. With reference tohash table 1100, hash value 1102 maps to entry 1112 in the hash table,which stores digest information describing a first softwareconfiguration. Similarly, hash values 1104 and 1106 map to entries 1114and 1116, respectively, which store the corresponding digestinformation. The hash values are obtained by applying hash function 1120to the digest information for each respective target.

Signature Tagging of Gold Images

In one embodiment, signature generator 148 includes logic for generatingsignatures for gold images. A plurality of signatures may be generatedfor a single gold image to distinguish between different versions of thegold images. For example, when a new version of a gold image is created,signature generator 148 may apply a hash function to the end statedefinition to generate a configuration level signature. Signaturegenerator 148 may map the resulting signature to the new image versionand corresponding end state definition. This process may continue eachtime a new version is generated, resulting in signature tagging of eachimage version.

FIG. 12 illustrates an example gold image that has been tagged with aplurality of signatures. At a first point in time, version 1202 of goldimage 1200 is created by image creator 144. Version 1202 includes twopatches applied to a base version of a software system. When the imageis created, signature generator 148, may apply a hash function to digestinformation (e.g., the end state definition) associated with version1202 to generate signature 1212. Signature generator 148 then stores amapping between version 1202 and signature 1212. Signature 1212 may alsobe mapped to the digest information describing or otherwise indicatingthe source components of image version 1202.

At a second point in time, five more patches may be added to gold image1200 to create version 1204. Signature generator 148 may apply a hashfunction to the updated digest information associated with version 1204to generate signature 1214. Signature generator 148 maps signature 1214to image version 1204 and the corresponding digest information.

Signature generator 148 may continue this process for each new versionof a gold image. Thus, signature 1216 is mapped to version 1206 and itscorresponding digest information. Because of the different patch levelsbetween the different image versions, signature generator 148 generatesa distinct signature for each version that uniquely identifies thecorresponding source components of the respective image version. Thesignatures may be used to determine which version of an image a memberof a flocking group follows, as described further below.

Signature Management for Targets

In one embodiment, signature generator 148 includes logic for generatingand storing configuration level signatures for targets 112 a to 112 n.For example, signature generator 148 may apply a hash function to digestinformation for each respective target, as described above, to generateand map a signature representative of the configuration level of therespective target. The hash value/configuration level signature may bestored at the target as parts of the target's properties and/or may bestored as part of collected information in repository 130.

Signature generator 148 may generate signatures periodically or in anon-demand basis, depending on the particular implementation. As anexample, agents 114 a to 114 n may periodically collect and send targetproperties to data collector 120. Upon receipt, signature generator 148may generate the configuration level signature from the targetproperties and store the signature as a target property in repository130. Thus, the configuration level signature for each target may beupdated and stored on a periodic basis. In another example, signaturegenerator 148 may generate a signature whenever a patch is applied toone of targets 112 a to 112 n.

Signature-Based Compliance Queries

In one embodiment, signature generator 148 includes logic foridentifying targets that comply with an image version. During thecompliance checks, signature generator 148 compares the signaturegenerated for the image against signatures generated for the targets.This technique allows for quick computation of compliance, avoidingcomplex comparisons between a potentially large number of attributesinvolved in defining a configuration level.

FIG. 13 illustrates an example process for performing compliance checksusing software configuration level signatures. At step 1302, a set ofone or more signatures are generated for a particular gold image. Theset of signatures may include multiple signatures for different versionsof the gold image. Each respective signature in the set of signaturesmay be generated based on the end state definition of a correspondingimage version as described above.

At step 1304, a signature is generated for each target in a set oftargets. In one embodiment, the set of targets are part of a flockinggroup that follows the gold image. Each signature may be generated basedon the target properties of a respective target, as described above.

At step 1306, a request to check a compliance of the set of targets withthe particular gold image is received. The compliance request may beissued to determine how many targets are currently complying with thegold image and/or to determine which version of a gold image each of thetargets are following, if any.

In response to the compliance request, at step 1308, the set of one ormore signatures for the particular gold image is compared to thesignature generated for each target in the set of targets.

At step 1310, the compliance of the set of targets is determined basedon the signature comparisons. If the signatures between the signaturefor a target and the signature for an image version match, then thetarget is following that image version and may be determined to becompliant. If there are no matches for a particular target, then thetargets may be determined to be non-compliant.

At step 1312, a compliance result is provided to a user. For example,the compliance result may indicate what percentage of targets within theset of targets are following the gold image and how many total targetsare following the gold image. The compliance result may further indicateimage-specific information, such as how many targets are following eachdifferent image. The user may further be notified of any drifters asdescribed further below. Thus, the configuration level signatures may beused to quickly determine the state of compliance and update progressfor targets that are subscribed to a gold image.

Image Lifecycle Overview

A gold image and its associated version may undergo different statesduring its life as its being used to update subscribed targets. Forexample, when a new version of a gold image is first released, it maytake time to move subscribed targets to the new version. Targets maydelay switching to the new version to avoid service interruptions causedby applying the updates or for other reasons. In order to support suchtargets, the old version of an image may remain active even though it isnot the latest version of a gold image. Once there are no subscribedtargets that are on an old image version, that version of the image maybe retired. In another example, a new version of a gold image mayundergo a testing phase before being published to the subscribedtargets.

Example life cycle states for a gold image and its version may include,without limitation:

-   -   Draft: An initial state for an image version. The image version        may remain in this state from the creation to a testing phase        for the image version.    -   Active: Restricted: A state for a beta release of an image for        performing trials with a subset of targets rather than the        entire set of subscribed targets.    -   Active: Current: A state for the latest version of an image that        is public. Public in this context means that the version is        available to all subscribed targets (e.g., not in a draft or        restricted state).    -   Active: A state for old versions of images that have not been        retired.    -   Retired: An end of life state for an image version. When there        are no subscribed targets the image version may be retired from        active usage.

Test Phase for Updated Images

As indicated above, a new version of a gold image may be tested beforebeing published to all subscribed images. During the test phase, asubset of one or more of the targets subscribed to the gold image orsome other set of test targets may be updated with the new version ofthe gold image. The testing phase gives the administrator a chanceanalyze the new image version on test targets to identify potentialproblems or other issues before the new version is rolled out toproduction targets. If a problem is encountered, the administrator mayattempt to resolve the issue or rollback the new version of the goldimage to a previous version.

In one embodiment, group manager 146 maintains a list of test targetsfor each flocking group. When an update to a gold image is received,group manager 146 releases the update to the test targets on the list,but not to other members of the flocking group. An administrator orother user may create and modify the list to specify which of thetargets to use as test targets.

State Transitions for Image Versions

FIG. 14 illustrates a transition between different states for a versionof a gold image. A new version of a gold image (either the base versionor a successive one) starts in the draft state 1402. In this state, thepayload for the new version has been created, but has not become activeand used to update subscribed targets.

From draft state 1402, the image version may be promoted (e.g., by anadministrator or other user) to active usage either in active restrictedstate 1404 or active current state 1406. If the image version ispromoted to active restricted state 1404, the image version is releasedto a set of restricted test targets for beta testing as described above.Once testing is complete, the image version may be promoted to activecurrent state 1406.

While in active current state 1406, the new version of the image ispublished to all subscribed targets. “Published” in this context meansthat the image is available for all subscribed targets to be used in theupdate process. In some cases, a notification may be sent to one or moreof the subscribed targets to indicate that a new version of the image isavailable. The subscribed targets may then begin the process of updatingto the new version of the image. The image version remains in activecurrent state 1406 until a newer image version is promoted to thisstate. When the newer image version is promoted to active current state1406, the predecessor is pushed to active state 1408.

While in active state 1410, an image version may support one or morefollowers that have not moved to the most current version of the goldimage. For example, a subscribed target may delay updating to the newversion of a gold image until a later date. Once there are no longer anytargets subscribed to the image that follow a particular version, thatversion may transition from active state 1410 to retired state 1412.

When an image version is in retired state 1412, all subscribed targetshave been updated to a subsequent version of the gold image, and notargets follow the retired version. Older versions of a gold image thatare in retired state 1412 may be archived or deleted.

FIG. 15 illustrates the cycle that occurs within a gold image duringcreation of a new image version. At the outset, there are three activeversions of the gold image: version 1501, 1502, and 1503. Upon creation,version 1504 starts as a draft version. Version 1504 is then promoted toa restricted state. While in the restricted state, image versions 1501,1502, and 1503 remain active. Version 1504 may then be promoted to thecurrent version of the gold image. Upon promotion, version 1503 ispushed from the active current state to an active state. At a laterpoint in time, all targets following version 1501 may be updated to asubsequent version of the gold image. Thus, version 1501 transitions toa retired state.

Rogue Targets

In some cases, a target that is part of a flocking group may drift fromthe flocking group. A target is said to drift from the flock when apatch is applied, omitted, or removed in a manner that does not followthe gold image. In some scenarios, for instance, targets may be patchedon an ad-hoc or emergency basis to address issues that arise, eventhough the applied patches are not included in a gold image's end-statedefinition. In other scenarios, patches may be rolled back or lost. Atarget which is patched outside a gold image's end-state definition isherein referred to as a “rogue” target. A patch that is outside the goldimage's end-state definition is herein referred to as a “drift” patch.

Rogue targets may be classified into different categories. First, arogue target may have additional patches that are not included in thecurrent version of a gold image. Second, a rogue target may have fewerpatches than the current version of a gold image. Drift manager 152 maymanage rogue targets based on their classification, as described infurther detail below.

In some embodiments, targets that have additional or fewer patches thanthe current version of a gold image but are following other activeversions of a gold image are not classified as rogue. For example, aparticular target may be following a target that is in an activerestricted state or active but not current state. Targets following suchversions may be deemed to be in compliance with the gold image standardsince these versions of the gold image have not been retired.

Rogue Identification

In one embodiment, drift manager 152 includes logic for identifying andclassifying rogue targets. To identify rogue targets, drift manager 152may compare the software configuration level signatures for activeversions of a gold image against software configuration level signaturesof subscribed targets. If no match is detected, then a subscribed targetmay be classified as a rogue. Drift manager 152 may further classify therogue target based on whether drift patches have been applied or whetherthe rogue target is missing patches that belong to the current activeversion of the gold image.

FIG. 16 illustrates an example process for identifying rogue targetswithin a flocking group. At step 1602, drift manager 152 compares asoftware configuration level signature for an active version of a goldimage with a software configuration level signature for a subscribedtarget.

At step 1604, drift manager determines whether the configuration levelsignatures match. If the signatures match, then the subscribed target isnot a rogue, and the process continues to step 1610. If the signaturesdo not match, then, at step 1606, drift manager 152 determines whetherthere are remaining active versions of a gold image.

If, at step 1606, it is determined that there is a remaining activeversion that has subscribed target has not been checked against, thenthe process returns to step 1602 to compare the configuration levelsignature for the remaining active version with the configuration levelsignature of the rogue target. If all remaining active versions havebeen analyzed and there is still no match, then the process continues tostep 1608, and the target is classified as a rogue.

At step 1610, drift manager 152 determines whether there are anyremaining subscribed targets in the flocking group that have not beenanalyzed. If so, then the process repeats for the remaining subscribedtargets. Otherwise, the process ends.

Drift Control

In one embodiment, drift manager 152 includes logic for controllingdrift within the flocking groups. If an update causes a subscribedtarget to drift and become rogue, then drift manager 152 may prevent theout of band update until it has gone through proper change managementapprovals. For example, a user may request or otherwise attempt to applya patch to a subscribed target. Drift manager 152 may intercept theupdate and determine whether it complies with the end state definition.If the update would cause the target to drift, then drift manager 152may prevent the update and notify a datacenter manager or otheradministrator. The administrator may then choose to allow the update andthe target to drift or to block the update, maintaining the standardsrepresented by the gold image.

Drift Notification

In one embodiment, drift manager 152 includes logic for displaying andstoring notifications and/or other indications when a target drifts. Thenotifications may indicate in what way the target has drifted from aflocking group. For example, the notification may indicate whether thetarget has too many patches, too few patches, or whether an incompatiblepatch exists. If a target has one or more additional drift patches,drift manager 152 may provide patch information identifying the driftpatches applied at the rogue target. If the target is missing one ormore patches, then the notification may identify which patches thetarget is lacking.

For a given flocking group, drift manager 152 may present complianceinformation to a user. The compliance information may display how manytargets in the flocking group have drifted. The compliance informationmay further present target information for the rogue target, allowingthe user to pinpoint exactly which target(s) have drifted from theflocking group. The user may drill down to a particular target toidentify the patches (or lack of patches) that cause the target(s) todrift.

Rogue Reconciliation

In one embodiment, drift manager 152 includes logic for reconcilingrogue targets. The process of reconciliation involves bringing roguetargets back into compliance with an end state definition. Once thetarget is reconciled, the classification of rogue may be removed, andthe target may follow the gold image as described above.

The reconciliation process may differ for different classifications ofrogue targets. According to one embodiment, when the drift is caused byadditional patches, drift manager 152 applies the patches to the currentversion of a gold image to create a new version of the gold image. Theend state definition for the flocking group is also updated to includethe additional patches. Once the new version of the gold image ispublished, each member of the flocking group may be updated with theadditional patches. Thus, ad-hoc or emergency patches applied at a roguetarget may be propagated to other members of the flocking group.

In one embodiment, when drift is caused by missing patches, driftmanager 152 reconciles the rogue target by applying the missing patchesto the rogue target. For example, a subscribed target may begin to driftwhen patches are rolled back or lost during other change managementactivities. In order to apply the missing patches, the rogue target'ssoftware copy may be overwritten with the image's current version.

FIG. 17 illustrates different methods of reconciling a rogue targetbased on how the rogue target is classified. At step 1702, a roguetarget is analyzed to determine whether the drift is caused byadditional patches or missing patches. For example, drift manager 152may analyze the target properties of the rogue target to determine whichpatches have been applied at the target. Drift manager 152 may comparethe applied patches to the end state definition for the flocking groupto determine the cause of drift.

If the drift is caused by additional, drift patches (or a combination ofadditional and missing patches), then at step 1704, a new image versionfrom the rogue is created and added to the gold standard. The new imageversion includes the additional patches that caused the rogue target todrift and patches the rogue target was missing, if any. If the drift iscaused by missing patches and not additional patches, then at step 1706,the rogues target is overwritten with the current version of the image.

Reconciling Rogues with New Updates

In some embodiments, rogue targets may be permitted to drift until newversions of a gold image are created. For example, an administrator mayapply an ad-hoc or emergency patch at a particular software applicationin a manner that does not comply with an end state definition. Driftmanager 152 may allow the software application to continue operating outof band until a new update for the software application is released froma vendor or other service provider. Once the update is released, driftmanager 152 may reconcile the rogue target back into the managed imageversions.

FIG. 18 illustrates an example image update that incorporates a roguetarget's drift patches. At 1802, V2 is the current version of the goldimage. In response to a vendor or service provider recommending anupdate, image creator 144 creates a new version of the gold image at1804. To create new image version V3, image creator 144 applies a set ofone or more drift patches from one or more rogue targets in addition tothe recommended patches from the service provider. Image version V3 isadded to the gold image and may be promoted to active status at 1806.

Target Additions

In some cases, a new target or group of targets may be added to andinitialized within system 100 after the gold images have been createdand the subscriptions formed. When a new target is added, image advisor142 may analyze the target's attributes (e.g., primary and/or secondary)to classify the target and determine a flocking group for the new targetto join. For example, when a request to initialize a target is received,the new target may be added to a flocking group of targets that sharethe same target type, software release version, and platform. Once addedto the flocking group, the new target may be updated to match the latestversion of the gold image. If the target does not fit with any otherflocking group, a new flocking group may be formed.

In one embodiment, drift information for a newly initialized target maybe generated and displayed by drift manager 152. In response toreceiving a request to initialize a new target, drift manager 152 maycompare the level of configuration of the new target with the sourcecomponents specified in an end state definition for the flocking groupto which the new target is added. If drift manager 152 determines thatthe new target does not satisfy the recommended end state for theflocking group, drift manager 152 may generate and display informationthat indicates that the new target differs from the standard level ofconfiguration. Drift manager may further indicate in what way the newtarget differs from the standard level of configuration. For example,drift manager 152 may display a difference in the patch level of the newtarget and the recommended patch level associated with the end statedefinition.

Example Image Management Interface

In one embodiment, image advisor 142 provides a centralized interfaceand set of workflows through which a user may minimize configurationpollution and manage standards within system 100. The centralizedinterface may comprise a set of dashboards or other user interfaceelements that identify the current configuration levels of targets 112 ato 112 n and/or recommend different configuration levels.

FIGS. 19A to 19F depict example dashboards and other interfaces that maybe used to manage the standardization process. FIG. 19 illustratesdashboard 1900, which displays a current state of softwareconfigurations within a data center and a recommended state of softwareconfigurations within the same datacenter. The display depicted bydashboard 1900 is in the context of database software installations andindicates the total number of database installations within thedatacenter. However, in addition or as an alternative to displayingrecommendations for database installations, the dashboard may be used todisplay configuration levels for other types of software installations.

Pie chart 1902 illustrates the total number of software configurationscurrently installed within the datacenter. Each slice of pie chart 1902corresponds to a different software configuration level. Each slice ofpie chart 1902 further represents one or more targets within thedatacenter that are configured at the corresponding softwareconfiguration level.

Pie chart 1904 illustrates the recommended number of softwareconfigurations within the datacenter. Each slice of pie chart 1904corresponds to a different recommended configuration level and end statedefinition. Each slice of pie chart 1904 further represents one or moretargets that were grouped within a corresponding recommendation bucket.A user may select button 1906 to view recommended end state definitionsand gold images for each of the recommendation buckets.

FIG. 19B illustrates dashboard 1910, which displays recommended endstate definitions for different recommendation buckets. Within dashboard1910, the user may navigate to view the analysis of the datacenter,which presents a display such as depicted in dashboard 1900. The usermay further view and sort recommended gold images and end statedefinitions. The user may create new gold images based on therecommendations, or may refine the recommendation criteria to generatenew recommendations.

FIG. 19C illustrates dashboard 1920, which displays a centralizedinterface for monitoring images and subscribed members. The interfaceallows a user to view the total number of subscribed targets and activedeployments that follow a particular gold image within a datacenter. Theinterface further depicts the number of active versions of a gold imageand the percentage of subscribed targets that are in compliance with agold image.

Dashboard 1920 further depicts statistics for groups of gold images. Forexample, the total number of subscribed targets, compliance percentage,and other combined statistics are shown for the 12.1.0.1 release, eventhough there are four separate gold images for the 12.1.0.1 release. Inaddition, dashboard 1920 depicts the total number of subscribed targets,deployments, active version and compliance percentage for the entire setof gold images within the datacenter environment.

FIG. 19D illustrates dashboard 1930, which displays information about aselected gold image and its versions. Dashboard 1930 identifies whichversion of the gold image is current and older versions of the goldimage that are still active. Dashboard 1930 further depicts how manydeployments are following each active version of the gold image and howmany deployments are rogue.

FIG. 19E illustrates dashboard 1940, which displays options for managingthe states of different image versions within a gold image. Dashboard1940 allows a user to drill down into the different versions andsubscriptions associated with a gold image. Dashboard 1940 furtherallows the user to manage the state of newly create image versions. Forexample, the user may create, edit, or delete a draft version of a goldimage. The user may further promote an image version to activerestricted or active current status, or revert a restricted version todraft status.

FIG. 19F illustrates dashboard 1950, which displays an action center tomanage subscribed targets. From dashboard 1950, a user may performactions including adding new members, updating non-compliant members,handling rogue targets, and viewing the update status of a target.

The above dashboards allow the user to understand the state ofconfiguration pollution and standardization within an environment at anygiven point in time. The dashboards further provide charts and otherinterface elements for tracking inventory and trending to help theadministrator understand the sprawl and ongoing changes within adatacenter environment.

Hardware Overview

According to one embodiment, the techniques described herein areimplemented by one or more special-purpose computing devices. Thespecial-purpose computing devices may be hard-wired to perform thetechniques, or may include digital electronic devices such as one ormore application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) or fieldprogrammable gate arrays (FPGAs) that are persistently programmed toperform the techniques, or may include one or more general purposehardware processors programmed to perform the techniques pursuant toprogram instructions in firmware, memory, other storage, or acombination. Such special-purpose computing devices may also combinecustom hard-wired logic, ASICs, or FPGAs with custom programming toaccomplish the techniques. The special-purpose computing devices may bedesktop computer systems, portable computer systems, handheld devices,networking devices or any other device that incorporates hard-wiredand/or program logic to implement the techniques.

For example, FIG. 20 is a block diagram that illustrates a computersystem 2000 upon which an embodiment of the invention may beimplemented. Computer system 2000 includes a bus 2002 or othercommunication mechanism for communicating information, and a hardwareprocessor 2004 coupled with bus 2002 for processing information.Hardware processor 2004 may be, for example, a general purposemicroprocessor.

Computer system 2000 also includes a main memory 2006, such as a randomaccess memory (RAM) or other dynamic storage device, coupled to bus 2002for storing information and instructions to be executed by processor2004. Main memory 2006 also may be used for storing temporary variablesor other intermediate information during execution of instructions to beexecuted by processor 2004. Such instructions, when stored innon-transitory storage media accessible to processor 2004, rendercomputer system 2000 into a special-purpose machine that is customizedto perform the operations specified in the instructions.

Computer system 2000 further includes a read only memory (ROM) 2008 orother static storage device coupled to bus 2002 for storing staticinformation and instructions for processor 2004. A storage device 2010,such as a magnetic disk, optical disk, or solid-state drive is providedand coupled to bus 2002 for storing information and instructions.

Computer system 2000 may be coupled via bus 2002 to a display 2012, suchas a liquid-crystal display (LCD) or a light-emitting diode (LED)display, for displaying information to a computer user. An input device2014, including alphanumeric and other keys, is coupled to bus 2002 forcommunicating information and command selections to processor 2004.Another type of user input device is cursor control 2016, such as amouse, a trackball, or cursor direction keys for communicating directioninformation and command selections to processor 2004 and for controllingcursor movement on display 2012. This input device typically has twodegrees of freedom in two axes, a first axis (e.g., x) and a second axis(e.g., y), that allows the device to specify positions in a plane.

Computer system 2000 may implement the techniques described herein usingcustomized hard-wired logic, one or more ASICs or FPGAs, firmware and/orprogram logic which in combination with the computer system causes orprograms computer system 2000 to be a special-purpose machine. Accordingto one embodiment, the techniques herein are performed by computersystem 2000 in response to processor 2004 executing one or moresequences of one or more instructions contained in main memory 2006.Such instructions may be read into main memory 2006 from another storagemedium, such as storage device 2010. Execution of the sequences ofinstructions contained in main memory 2006 causes processor 2004 toperform the process steps described herein. In alternative embodiments,hard-wired circuitry may be used in place of or in combination withsoftware instructions.

The term “storage media” as used herein refers to any non-transitorymedia that store data and/or instructions that cause a machine tooperate in a specific fashion. Such storage media may comprisenon-volatile media and/or volatile media. Non-volatile media includes,for example, optical disks or magnetic disks, such as storage device2010. Volatile media includes dynamic memory, such as main memory 2006.Common forms of storage media include, for example, a floppy disk, aflexible disk, hard disk, solid-state drive, magnetic tape, or any othermagnetic data storage medium, a CD-ROM, any other optical data storagemedium, any physical medium with patterns of holes, a RAM, a PROM, andEPROM, a FLASH-EPROM, NVRAM, any other memory chip or cartridge.

The term “logic” as used herein includes computer or electrical hardwarecomponent(s), firmware, a non-transitory computer readable medium thatstores instructions, and/or combinations of these components configuredto perform one or more functions or actions, and/or to cause one or morefunctions or actions from another logic, method, and/or system. Logicmay include am microprocessor controlled by executable code, a discreetlogic (e.g., ASIC), an analog circuit, a digital circuit, a programmedlogic device, a memory device containing instructions that when executedperform an algorithm, and so on. Logic may include one or more gates,combinations of gates, or other circuit components. Where multiple logicunits are described, it may be possible to incorporate the multiplelogic units into one physical logic component. Similarly, where a singlelogic unit is described, it may be possible to distribute the singlelogic unit between multiple physical logic components.

Storage media is distinct from but may be used in conjunction withtransmission media. Transmission media participates in transferringinformation between storage media. For example, transmission mediaincludes coaxial cables, copper wire and fiber optics, including thewires that comprise bus 2002. Transmission media can also take the formof acoustic or light waves, such as those generated during radio-waveand infra-red data communications.

Various forms of media may be involved in carrying one or more sequencesof one or more instructions to processor 2004 for execution. Forexample, the instructions may initially be carried on a magnetic disk orsolid-state drive of a remote computer. The remote computer can load theinstructions into its dynamic memory and send the instructions over atelephone line using a modem. A modem local to computer system 2000 canreceive the data on the telephone line and use an infra-red transmitterto convert the data to an infra-red signal. An infra-red detector canreceive the data carried in the infra-red signal and appropriatecircuitry can place the data on bus 2002. Bus 2002 carries the data tomain memory 2006, from which processor 2004 retrieves and executes theinstructions. The instructions received by main memory 2006 mayoptionally be stored on storage device 2010 either before or afterexecution by processor 2004.

Computer system 2000 also includes a communication interface 2018coupled to bus 2002. Communication interface 2018 provides a two-waydata communication coupling to a network link 2020 that is connected toa local network 2022. For example, communication interface 2018 may bean integrated services digital network (ISDN) card, cable modem,satellite modem, or a modem to provide a data communication connectionto a corresponding type of telephone line. As another example,communication interface 2018 may be a local area network (LAN) card toprovide a data communication connection to a compatible LAN. Wirelesslinks may also be implemented. In any such implementation, communicationinterface 2018 sends and receives electrical, electromagnetic or opticalsignals that carry digital data streams representing various types ofinformation.

Network link 2020 typically provides data communication through one ormore networks to other data devices. For example, network link 2020 mayprovide a connection through local network 2022 to a host computer 2024or to data equipment operated by an Internet Service Provider (ISP)2026. ISP 2026 in turn provides data communication services through theworld wide packet data communication network now commonly referred to asthe “Internet” 2028. Local network 2022 and Internet 2028 both useelectrical, electromagnetic or optical signals that carry digital datastreams. The signals through the various networks and the signals onnetwork link 2020 and through communication interface 2018, which carrythe digital data to and from computer system 2000, are example forms oftransmission media.

Computer system 2000 can send messages and receive data, includingprogram code, through the network(s), network link 2020 andcommunication interface 2018. In the Internet example, a server 2030might transmit a requested code for an application program throughInternet 2028, ISP 2026, local network 2022 and communication interface2018.

The received code may be executed by processor 2004 as it is received,and/or stored in storage device 2010, or other non-volatile storage forlater execution.

Cloud Computing Overview

The techniques described herein are implemented using one or moreprocessing solutions, examples of which include distributed systems,clustered computing systems, and cloud computing systems. In anembodiment, system 100 is part of a cloud computing system. A cloudcomputing system implements one or more of: cloud storage, cloudprocessing, cloud communication, and any other kind of cloud computingservice. Further, cloud computing systems may operate under apay-for-what-you-use-as-you-use-it model, under a fixed subscriptionmodel, etc. In this embodiment, any part (or the whole of) thefunctionality attributed to system 100, or to other entities within thisdescription, is controllable via an interface that is exposed at a cloudcomputing system.

Extensions and Alternatives

In the foregoing specification, embodiments of the invention have beendescribed with reference to numerous specific details that may vary fromimplementation to implementation. The specification and drawings are,accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictivesense. The sole and exclusive indicator of the scope of the invention,and what is intended by the applicants to be the scope of the invention,is the literal and equivalent scope of the set of claims that issue fromthis application, in the specific form in which such claims issue,including any subsequent correction.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method comprising: maintaining subscriptiondata that identifies a group of targets that subscribe to a particularimage; wherein the particular image represents a standard to follow fortargets that belong to the group of targets; wherein the particularimage includes a first image version having a first set of sourcecomponents; receiving an update to the particular image; in response toreceiving the update to the particular image, generating a second imageversion for the particular image; wherein the second image versionincludes a second set of source components that are different than thefirst set of source components; updating two or more targets in thegroup of targets that subscribe to the particular image based on thesecond image version for the particular image.
 2. The method of claim 1,wherein generating the second image version for the particular imagecomprises applying one or more patches to the first image version. 3.The method of claim 2, wherein the one or more patches identified basedon at least one of a recommendation from a service provider, driftinformation of patches from the group of targets that subscribe to theparticular image, or custom patches requested from a user.
 4. The methodof claim 1, wherein the first image version remains active until alltargets in the group of targets have been updated to a more currentversion of the particular image.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein thesecond image version is released in a restricted states; wherein the twoor more targets include targets in the group of targets that are part ofa test set but do not include targets within the group of targets thatdo not belong to the test set.
 6. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising promoting the second image version from one of a draft stateor a restricted state to an active current state, wherein an imageversion in the active current state represents a most current imageversion for the particular image; wherein promoting the second imageversion to the active current state causes a state of the first imageversion to change from the active current state to an active state. 7.The method of claim 1, further comprising receiving a second update tothe particular image; in response to receiving the second update to theparticular image, generating a third image version for the particularimage; wherein the first image version remains active after the thirdimage version is generated until all targets in the group of targetshave been updated to a more current version of the particular image. 8.The method of claim 1, wherein the subscription data further identifiesa second group of targets that subscribe to a second image; wherein thesecond image represents a second standard to follow for targets thatbelong to the second group of targets; wherein the second group oftargets follow changes to the second image but not the first image;wherein the group of targets follow changes to the first image but notthe second image.
 9. The method of claim 1, further comprising updatingan end state definition represented by the particular image in responseto receiving the update to the particular image.
 10. The method of claim1, further comprising adding a new target to the group of targets; inresponse to adding a new target, updating a set of source components ofthe new target based on the second image version of the particularimage.
 11. One or more non-transitory computer-readable media storinginstructions which, when executed by one or more processors, causingoperations comprising: maintaining subscription data that identifies agroup of targets that subscribe to a particular image; wherein theparticular image represents a standard to follow for targets that belongto the group of targets; wherein the particular image includes a firstimage version having a first set of source components; receiving anupdate to the particular image; in response to receiving the update tothe particular image, generating a second image version for theparticular image; wherein the second image version includes a second setof source components that are different than the first set of sourcecomponents; updating two or more targets in the group of targets thatsubscribe to the particular image based on the second image version forthe particular image.
 12. The one or more non-transitorycomputer-readable media of claim 11, wherein generating the second imageversion for the particular image comprises applying one or more patchesto the first image version.
 13. The one or more non-transitorycomputer-readable media of claim 12, wherein the one or more patchesidentified based on at least one of a recommendation from a serviceprovider, drift information of patches from the group of targets thatsubscribe to the particular image, or custom patches requested from auser.
 14. The one or more non-transitory computer-readable media ofclaim 11, wherein the first image version remains active until alltargets in the group of targets have been updated to a more currentversion of the particular image.
 15. The one or more non-transitorycomputer-readable media of claim 11, wherein the second image version isreleased in a restricted states; wherein the two or more targets includetargets in the group of targets that are part of a test set but do notinclude targets within the group of targets that do not belong to thetest set.
 16. The one or more non-transitory computer-readable media ofclaim 11, further comprising promoting the second image version from oneof a draft state or a restricted state to an active current state,wherein an image version in the active current state represents a mostcurrent image version for the particular image; wherein promoting thesecond image version to the active current state causes a state of thefirst image version to change from the active current state to an activestate.
 17. The one or more non-transitory computer-readable media ofclaim 11, further comprising receiving a second update to the particularimage; in response to receiving the second update to the particularimage, generating a third image version for the particular image;wherein the first image version remains active after the third imageversion is generated until all targets in the group of targets have beenupdated to a more current version of the particular image.
 18. The oneor more non-transitory computer-readable media of claim 11, wherein thesubscription data further identifies a second group of targets thatsubscribe to a second image; wherein the second image represents asecond standard to follow for targets that belong to the second group oftargets; wherein the second group of targets follow changes to thesecond image but not the first image; wherein the group of targetsfollow changes to the first image but not the second image.
 19. The oneor more non-transitory computer-readable media of claim 11, furthercomprising updating an end state definition represented by theparticular image in response to receiving the update to the particularimage.
 20. The one or more non-transitory computer-readable media ofclaim 11, further comprising adding a new target to the group oftargets; in response to adding a new target, updating a set of sourcecomponents of the new target based on the second image version of theparticular image.
 21. A method comprising: maintaining subscription datathat identifies a group of targets that subscribe to a particular image;wherein the particular image represents a standard to follow for targetsthat belong to the group of targets; wherein the particular imageincludes a first image version representing a first level ofconfiguration; receiving a request to initialize a new target for thegroup; in response to the request, automatically initializing the newtarget using the first image.
 22. One or more non-transitorycomputer-readable media storing instructions for providing automatedadvice with respect to consolidating a plurality of sources, theinstructions, when executed by one or more processors, causingoperations comprising: maintaining subscription data that identifies agroup of targets that subscribe to a particular image; wherein theparticular image represents a standard to follow for targets that belongto the group of targets; wherein the particular image includes a firstimage version representing a first level of configuration; receiving arequest to initialize a new target for the group; in response to therequest, automatically initializing the new target using the firstimage.